Think back to when you were in grade school. Would you have missed your principal if she retired? Would the thought of her leaving bring you to tears? Oh no, not to me. I would not have missed her at all.  But maybe that is because Diane Bonarigo was not my principal.

Some of the children of Jackson Primary did cry as they said goodbye to the only principal they have known. Principal Bonarigo is retiring after being a principal for 12 years.

The Children of Jackson primary chanted Principal Bonarigo’s name and sang a song in her honor at their last “Family” meeting of the year. The school staff also thanked Mrs Bonarigo in making Jackson Primary a special place and a family.

Judging by the reaction of the children she will surely be missed by those lucky enough to have been at her school.

Tesla Renee Plantiko, 25, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. It's alleged that on Feb. 1, at 9:50 a.m., at a location on West Main Street, Batavia, with an outside temperature in the low 20s, Plantiko allowed her two small children outside unsupervised with inadequate clothing. Plantiko was reportedly sleeping at the time.

Gregory Seppe, 59, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with public intoxication. Seppe was charged after Officer Jason Davis responded to a complaint that Seppe was stumbling through yards and onto the street on South Swan at 2:40 p.m., Saturday. Davis reportedly observed Seppe stumbling through yards and bouncing off a telephone pole. Davis is a trained drug recognition expert and determined Seppe was allegedly impaired by drugs. Seppe was transported to UMMC and issued an appearance ticket on the charge.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Broadbent was arrested following a crewfew check on her at her residence. She was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

David T. Loucks, 37, of West Garden Road, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, speeding, unlicensed operation, reckless driving, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Loucks was stopped at 6:20 p.m. Friday on Pearl Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Charles J. Rodriguez Sr., 40, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rodriquez is accused of stealing $44.95 worth of merchandise from Dollar General. Rodriquez was arrested on a warrant, pled guilty and was sentenced to jail concurrent with a guilty plea to an unrelated charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Heidi L. Harder, 42, of Montclaire Avenue, Batavia, is charged with kidnapping, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful imprisonment, Harder is accused of taking a child of a relative, locking herself and the child in her apartment and refusing to return the child. The child was returned to a caretaker unharmed.

Jordan S. Thomas, 18, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Thomas allegedly injured another person during a fight on Vine Street at 8:30 p.m., June 11.

Deborah S. Rodriguez, 49, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for alleged failure to appear on a traffic violation.

Micheal J. Vanbuskirk, 43, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, operating without an ignition interlock device, and on a suspended registration. Vanbuskirk was stopped at 8:16 p.m. June 13 on Vine Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

At 5:55 pm the line to get into Dwyer Stadium was out to the street and down the block. The gates to the park opened at 6 pm for the Muckdogs season opener. The fans were excited for the game and festivities to begin. I am sure they were not disappointed. 

The Auburn Doubledays scored first with a single run in the third. The Muckdogs answered that run with 4 of their own in the bottom of the 3^rd and were in control for the rest for the game. It was an action packed game with some good hits, a squeeze play and some impressive field work from this young team. The final score was Auburn 2 Batavia 8

John Kennedy Intermediate School 3^rd and 4^th graders sung the national anthem before the game with the Viet Nam War Veterans Color Guard presenting the Flag.

Western NY Skydiving put on a show by dropping in with the game ball. 

The City of Batavia is "ready to roll" out its presentation to a selection committee after receiving the news that it, once again, has reached the finalist stage in an Empire State Development Downtown Revitalization Initiative competition.

"We're ready to roll," said City Manager Jason Molino this morning, revealing that five city leaders will be representing Batavia on Thursday afternoon in downtown Rochester. "We will make a half-hour presentation, followed by 15 minutes of questions."

Molino said Batavia's presentation will focus on the 88-acre Business Improvement District in three distinct categories:

• Arts, culture & entertainment.

• Healthy living & wellness.

• Prosperity for all.

"It's all about creativity and innovation ... ways to enhance the quality of life," he said.

Molino said the fact that the city has just come through a 15-month Comprehensive Planning process should bolster its chances.

"We had a lot of community input during this time, which has helped develop our process," he said.

At Thursday's interview, Molino will be joined by City Council President Eugene Jankowski, BID Director Beth Kemp, City School Board President Patrick Burk and Batavia Development Corporation Coordinator Julie Pacatte.

Molino said he wasn't aware of what other three cities are finalists but did say that officials of those communities also would be presenting on Thursday.

Word that Batavia is one of four finalists spread quickly this morning. The Batavian found out via a message on Twitter this from City Councilman Adam Tabelski, 

"This is certainly great news for the community -- to be a finalist again," Tabelski said..

City officials filed the formal application for the $10 million award last week.

In 2016, the City of Batavia was a finalist from the Finger Lakes Region but eventually lost out to Geneva.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center will hold a public hearing at 4 this afternoon to consider financial incentives for the Savarino Companies for the redevelopment of Ellicott Station in downtown Batavia. The public hearing will take place at City Hall.

The approximate 64,000-square foot development will be a mix use of residential, office and retail spaces; a brewery; small beverage warehouse and hops processing facility; entertainment and event area; outside seating; and integration of the new Ellicott Trail pedestrian pathway.

The $17.6 million project is estimated to create up to 60 good paying full-time jobs.

The proposed incentives include $897,293 in sales tax savings, $128,232 mortgage tax savings and $537,398 in property tax savings. 

The project is being done through the “Batavia Pathway to Prosperity” (BP2) program which was created through an inter-municipal agreement between the City of Batavia, Genesee County, the Batavia City School District, the Batavia Development Corporation and the GCEDC.

BP2 was conceived to pool resources in order to invest in distressed areas in the City of Batavia. The BP2 program will be implemented though PILOT increment financing (PIF), referred to as the “BP2 fund,” which is the first of its kind in New York State where all local taxing jurisdictions are participating. 

Supported by the redirection of 50% of new project PILOT payments, the BP2 fund will play a critical role in generating development within the Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA), a 366-acre area within the City of Batavia containing five strategic redevelopment sites. 

The final field preparation and practice are underway as the Batavia Muckdogs prepare for their home opener tonight against the Auburn Doubledays.Gates open at 6 p.m., game starts at 7:05.The weather for the opener looks great with a predicted 75 degrees and light wind; no rain is in the forcast.This should allow for Western NY Skydiving to parachute in with the ball for the first pitch.

Gorgeous and lovingly maintained sprawling ranch on five-plus beautifully landscaped acres with a pond! Absolutely something for everyone in this well laid out home and the storage space is unbelievable! This home has two living rooms, gorgeous kitchen with awesome views of remarkable back patio and in-ground pool which overlooks pond and fields with wildlife galore. Owners have literally just finished reroofing home and upgraded the electrical prior to listing!

If all that isn't enough this home has an absolutely huge finished basement with cozy living area, workshop space and a man cave that everyone will be jealous of with kitchen/bar area AND two-hole putting green! This home goes on and on and was meant for entertaining! Great location close to Batavia, Alexander schools. Must see! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here to view the complete listing.

Andrew Underhill's passion for growing strawberries took him across the world to Eisenberg, Germany, to work on a strawberry and asparagus farm. 

The 15-week internship was required for his graduation from SUNY Morrisville, Underhill said.

“I love growing strawberries and it was a 35-acre farm there,” Underhill said. “It was my dream farm.”

Underhill said when deciding where to complete his internship, he knew wanted to be on a large strawberry or asparagus farm.

“I wanted to go somewhere farther than New York,” Underhill said.

His college roommate had family in Switzerland, who ended up having a connection at the farm in Germany. 

Erdbeer Land, the farm he interned at, has 35 acres of strawberries and 15 acres of asparagus, with 385 employees.

While at Erdbeer Land, Underhill learned new cultivation methods for strawberries and asparagus, and how to extend strawberry seasons.

Underhill said he also learned how to grow white asparagus while in Germany, but doesn’t plan to grow it here.

“It’s harder to grow,” Underhill said. “It’s the same plant, but it grows under the soil.”

The Elba resident works on his family farm, Underhill farms, located on 4847 Batavia Elba Townline Road. He is the fourth generation of Underhill men to farm on the same fields.

Now an alumnus of SUNY Morrisville, he said he plans to take over Underhill farms one day.

Press release:

Victor Roberts, veterans benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the Downtown Batavia Public Market this Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.

FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.

FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 - $2 checks ($20) -- one packet per household, per season. Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to veterans and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of their immediate families, including un-remarried surviving spouses of a veteran.

Employees of New York State and veterans or service members with immediate family members employed by New York State are not eligible for FreshConnect checks.

"Recipients will not require ID," Roberts said, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."

"The checks can be used to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors at the Market," said Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market is excited to be a distribution point for FreshConnect Veterans Checks and we thank all of our veterans for their service to our great country."

A 17-year-old resident of Maple Road, Basom, is charged with unlawful surveillance, 2nd. The youth is accused of placing a mobile phone with its video camera operating in a locker room at Oakfield-Alabama High School. He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Nathan Gerald Safford, 27, of Broughton Road, Silver Springs, is charged with unlawful fleeing of a police officer, reckless driving, speeding (over 55 mph), speeding (in a 40-mph zone), and failure to stop at red light. Safford was arrested once stopped at 8:25 p.m. Friday on Main Road, Corfu, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. He was jailed on $25,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

Philip Michael Arcuri, 31, of Oak Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, unlawfull possession of marijuana, moving from lane unsafely, and failure to use designated lane. Arcuri was arrested following an investigation into a property-damage accident at 4:40 p.m. Friday on Lake Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Micheal Lute. Arcuri was allegedly found in possession of heroin, a needle and marijuana.

Mark Anthony Constable, 28, of Meigs Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and no front plate. Constable was stopped at 12:30 p.m. Friday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Chris Erion.

Glenn Vincent Gerold, 27, of County Route 26, Carthage, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and inadequate headlights. Gerold was stopped at 9:37 p.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Joshua Adam Locurcio, 37, of Stenson Avenue, Rochester, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving on a suspended registration, unlawful possession of marijuana, operating an uninspected vehicle. Locurcio was stopped at 8:06 p.m. Sunday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong. 

Patrick Frances Donaldson, 47, of Harvard Street, Hamburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to stop at stop sign. Donaldson was stopped at 10:33 p.m. Friday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Press release:

The Batavia Lions Club recently presented its annual scholarships and awards for the 2016-2017 school year. 

This spring,more than 20 graduating seniors at Batavia High School and Notre Dame High School applied for scholarships and were interviewed by a committee of Lions Club members; four were chosen to receive $1,000 each toward their college education. In addition, selected students from both schools were awarded the Art Roth Fine Arts Award and the Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award. 

The final award is the Batavia Lions Club Award in Communications, which is presented to a Genesee Community College student in memory of two former Batavia Lions and local media legends – Paul Bostwick, the former managing editor of the Batavia Daily News, and James H. Gerrity, the former news director of WBTA.

During the high school football season each fall, members of the Lions Club man the food stand at Notre Dame Stadium to sell snacks during each home game. The proceeds are used exclusively for the scholarship and awards program at Notre Dame. The BHS Scholarships, Bill Cook and Art Roth Awards as well as the Bostwick/Gerrity Award are funded through money set aside by the Batavia Lions Club.

This year’s winners are (from left):

Kelvin LaPierre – Paul Bostwick/James Gerrity Award and is currently attending Genesee Community College. Serena Strollo-DiCenso – BHS Scholarship, will be attending the University of Buffalo to begin her path to law school. Hannah Bowen – ND Scholarship, will attend Clarkson University to study Psychology.  Angelina Miconi – BHS Scholarship, will attend Genesee Community College to begin her program in Art Education. McKenna Dziezmian – BHS Art Roth Fine Arts Award, will attend the University of Rochester to study Biomedical Engineering. Campbell Anderson – BHS Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award, will attend the Air Force Academy. Jacob Weatherwax -- ND Scholarship, will attend Alfred State to study Welding Technology and Business. Christopher Lemley – ND Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award, will attend Case Western University to study Civil Engineering. Keara Zerillo – ND Art Roth Fine Arts Award, will attend the State University of New York at Fredonia to study Music Education.

The Lions Club congratulates all of this year’s winners and wishes them success in all of their future endeavors.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

A 17-year-old, of Seeley Road, Williamson, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Tyler D. Pemberthy, 22, of Lillybrook Court, East Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

A 16-year-old, of York Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Brandon M. Erskine, 24, of State Route 21, Hornell, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight while exiting the concert.

Jaymi R. Seitz, 26 of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly using a key to scratch another person’s vehicle.

The Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on July 1 this year on Center Street, with music, vendors and activities.

The Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians and artists that at one time or another, called Batavia or the nearby areas, their home. The event includes craft vendors, food vendors, a designated kid zone with rides and activities, and music.

This year, there will be 33 bands and performers at the Jackson Square and Center Street Stage.

Paul Draper III, the event coordinator, said there will be a larger, second stage to look forward to.

“There have also been major expansions for vendors this year,” Draper said. “There’s a duck pond and a dedicated kid zone. It is very family oriented.”

The performers include Audibull, Bad Luck, Batavia All Stars, Bluesway, Dave Holnbeck, Driven, Eagle Creek, Genesee Ted, Ghost Riders, Kevin Moyles, KoKo & The Moon Crickets, Kruppner Brothers, Loosely Tight, Mark Grover, Me & Red, Mitty & The followers, Nichols Brothers Band, Noah's Reign, Steve Kruppner, Paul Almeter, PD3 & Co., Red Creek, Rhythm Collision, Rich Lullo Band, Rock Soulgers, Ryan & Scott, Ryan Consiglio, Savage Cabbage, Sierra, Soul Craft, TONK!, Trolls, Unruly, and Zero.

Draper said they are still accepting vendors and sponsorship opportunities. If anyone is interested, contact thebataviaramble@gmail.com

Doug Forsyth is counting down the days until he rides his bike across the country to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

On July 9, Forsyth, a Le Roy native, will be flying to Portland, Ore., where he will begin his 30-day journey, eventually ending up in New York City.

Although it was part of Forsyth’s bucket list to ride his bike across the country, he was inspired to take the journey and raise money by his best friend’s child, who is living with cystic fibrosis.

“It’s a terrible disease,” Forsyth said. “Kids are just born with it and there’s nothing you can do.”

Forsyth said he found a foundation, Claire’s Place Foundation Inc., that gives money directly to the families who have kids that have been in the hospital for more than two weeks.

“I heard from them and the money that I’ve raised already has been given to a family in Minnesota,” Forsyth said.

He has raised almost $4,000 so far through his GoFundMe page and donations made directly to the foundation.

His cycling mentor, Douglas Sawyer, from Ossining, will be riding with Forsyth. Sawyer will be raising money for traumatic brain injuries.

It will be an unsupported ride, meaning he will be towing a bike trailer filled with camping supplies. Forsyth plans on camping two-thirds of the time and getting hotels the rest of the way to wash up.

“I’m very excited about it,” Forsyth said. “I just hope I can have the stamina to do it.”

Updates about his journey will be posted on his Facebook page and donations can be made here.

A microwave caused a two alarm fire on 20 Swan St about 9:30 am.There was the smell of smoke but no visable flames.Two children were sent for observation for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. All units are back in service. 

"Huckleberry" was last seen on North Bergen Road near Route 237. He is chipped and belongs with Cindy Matthews and Chris Oehler. Call Chris at (585) 315-2995 or Cindy at (585) 455-9377.

UPDATE: Huckleberry is home safe, thanks to an alert reader.

A resident on Slusser Road, between Pratt and Killian roads, reports his neighbor's dog took off last night around 8:30. He answers to "Ruben." If you have information about the dog, call Amy at (716) 998-1860 or Tom at (585) 993-2163.

UPDATE: Ruben is home safe.

This evening, Billie and I catch a plane for Los Angeles. We'll visit Bakersfield, Ventura and San Diego over the next eight days, seeing family and friends.

We return the morning of June 26.

While we're gone, we'll do our best to keep up with the site.

Covering news for us will be our intern Maria Pericozzi, reporter Mike Pettinella, and photographers Jim Burns and Steve Ognibene.

We also, as always, appreciate your help. We're always grateful for readers who send us pictures or news tips. If something is going on that you think other readers might like to know about, email me (preferred) at howard@thebatavian.com or text (585) 260-6970 (don't count on me seeing Facebook messages).

Note to Deal of the Day buyers: We're not going to post any deals today or tomorrow, but I will try to get a daily post up through the week. However, deals won't be shipped out in the mail until June 27, a week from Tuesday.

Kathleen Dessert, a senior at Le Roy High School, has received The Sage Colleges' distinguished designation as a "Student Sage Scholar."

Award recipients are nominated by their high school guidance counselors, teachers or administrators.

Each exemplifies the colleges' motto "To Be, To Know, To Do."

Award winners are guaranteed a minimum of $40,000 in scholarship during the four years of study at Russell Sage College or The Sage College of Albany in recognition of their academic achievements and community involvement.